| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400.3 | 24.6g | 6.9g | 18.3g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14.7g | 0.5g | 20.9g | 0.58g |
I’ve always been drawn to food that strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, dynamic yet comforting, flavors that transport you back to a simpler time while exciting your contemporary palette. One dish that exemplifies this to me is the delightful Apricot Glazed Pork Chops, a recipe that carves out an irresistible niche in American homestyle cooking.
A perfect blend of sweetness and savoriness
This recipe is a visual treat too. The deep, rich hues of the seared pork chops garnished with apricot glaze is nothing short of a carnivore’s dream come true. While it may remind you of dishes like honey-dijon pork roast or peach-glazed pork tenderloin, the apricot glazed pork chops hold their unique appeal in the contrast of flavors. The sweet, tangy flavor of the apricot complimented by the Dijon mustard and honey lends itself beautifully to the meaty, slightly salty pork chops.
If you love exploring new flavors and combinations, this dish will surely inspire you too. The addition of garlic, rosemary, and thyme alongside soy sauce introduces a perfect harmony of flavors, with none overpowering the others.
Health in good taste
But the Apricot Glazed Pork Chops isn’t just about a symphony of unforgettable flavor – it gives you a wholesome, balanced meal as well. Pork is a great source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, including essential nutrients like Vitamin B6, B12, and zinc. Apricots, on the other hand, are packed with antioxidants, high in fiber, and a great source of Vitamin A and C. The addition of olive oil, a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, introduces a heart-friendly fat into the mix. Combining these ingredients, you get an indulgent dish that doesn’t compromise on health.
Why then, do I love the Apricot Glazed Pork Chops? It brings together pieces from my culinary past – the meat-driven dishes from my Montana upbringing, while embracing new flavors. It’s a mirror to my own food journey – rooted in tradition, but reaching out to the world of new, exciting tastes. Perhaps you’ll love it for the same reasons as well. If not, one bite of these chops will surely convince you.
You can serve this sumptuous entrée with a side of roasted rosemary potatoes and carrots or a simple quinoa salad with dried fruits and nuts for a complete meal.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup apricot preserve
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Method
Step One
Season both sides of the pork chops with the salt and pepper.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook with the pork chops for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
In a small bowl, stir together the apricot preserve, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, dried rosemary and dried thyme to create your glaze.
Step Five
Pour the apricot glaze over the pork chops in the skillet, making sure each chop is coated well.
Step Six
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the pork chops simmer in the glaze for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through.
Step Seven
If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir the mixture into the glaze in the skillet. Allow the glaze to simmer for a few more minutes until it has thickened to your liking.
Step Eight
Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Apricot Glazed Pork Chops!
